Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Dianne H. K. Van Dam-Nolen, Martine T. B. Truijman, Anja G. van Der Kolk, Madieke Liem, Floris H. B. M. Schreuder, Eric Boersma, Mat J. A. P. Daemen, Werner H. Mess, Robert J. van Oostenbrugge, Antonius F. W. van Der Steen, Daniel Bos, Peter J. Koudstaal, Paul J. Nederkoorn, Jeroen Hendrikse, Aad van Der Lugt, M. Eline Kooi
Summary: The PARISK study aimed to improve the identification of patients at increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke using multimodality carotid imaging.
JACC-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Moayad Homssi, Atin Saha, Diana Delgado, Arindam RoyChoudhury, Charlene Thomas, Matthew Lin, Hediyeh Baradaran, Hooman Kamel, Ajay Gupta
Summary: The presence of calcification in carotid plaque is not significantly associated with ipsilateral cerebrovascular ischemic events. However, in studies with significant carotid artery stenosis, the presence of calcification is associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lu Mingming, Peng Peng, Zhang Lichen, Liu Shaohua, Yuan Fei, Zhang Hongtao, Liu Shitong, He Yao, Zhao Xihai, Cai Jianming
Summary: This study investigated the risk factors for the progression of intraplaque hemorrhage in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. The results showed that taking an antiplatelet agent at baseline, having a history of smoking, and having a larger baseline carotid plaque-containing vessel wall volume were independently predictive of plaques being in the progressed IPH group.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joseph Kamtchum-Tatuene, Luca Saba, Mirjam R. Heldner, Michiel H. F. Poorthuis, Gert J. de Borst, Tatjana Rundek, Stavros K. Kakkos, Seemant Chaturvedi, Raffi Topakian, Joseph F. Polak, Glen C. Jickling
Summary: This study demonstrates that circulating IL-6 levels predict carotid plaque severity, vulnerability, and progression. A cutoff of 2.0 pg/mL for IL-6 levels could facilitate the selection of individuals that would benefit from anti-IL-6 drugs for stroke prevention.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Bo Wei, Yiqin Xu, Xiaohong Gui, Chenglong Wu, Liping Wang
Summary: By analyzing patients with AACMS using 3.0T HR-MRI, significant differences were found in the MRI morphological characteristics of bilateral carotid plaques in patients with early-stage AACMS progression, showing the importance of identifying complex plaque types and stability as prognostic factors for predicting early progression of stroke and guiding clinical treatment.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS AND TISSUE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Lichen Zhang, Lina Zhu, Mingming Lu, Xihai Zhao, Feiyu Li, Jianming Cai, Chun Yuan
Summary: In a Chinese population, there are significant differences in carotid plaque features between men and women. Men have a higher quantity of plaques and are more prone to vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, while women have a smaller plaque burden.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chae Rin Lee, Jun Cheol Yang, Ui Yun Lee, Seung Bae Hwang, Gyung Ho Chung, Hyo Sung Kwak
Summary: Using SNAP imaging, the study determined the prevalence of symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease (SyNC) in patients with acute stroke and assessed the imaging findings of carotid plaques. It found that SyNC is a relatively important source of stroke in patients with <50% stenosis and territorial infarction, and high maximal wall thickness and carotid IPH are important risk factors for SyNC.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Zi-Zhen Shen, Ren Shu-Jing, Wu Rong-Rong, Su Chun-Qiu, Song Ge, Xun-Ning Hong, Shan-Shan Lu
Summary: In this study, the temporal changes in intracranial arteriosclerotic plaques after medical treatment were evaluated using VWMRI. It was found that patients with significant decreases in stenosis (area), PB, and ER benefitted from medical treatment. The progression of PB may serve as an independent marker for predicting stroke recurrence.
QUANTITATIVE IMAGING IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hediyeh Baradaran, Sinead Culleton, Greg Stoddard, Matthew D. Alexander, J. Rafael Romero, J. Rock Hadley, Seong-Eun Kim, Dennis L. Parker, J. Scott McNally
Summary: Covert brain infarctions (CBIs) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are subclinical sequelae of ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebral small vessel disease, respectively. This study aimed to determine the association of specific vulnerable carotid plaque features to CBIs and CMBs. The results showed that intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and plaque ulceration were associated with CBIs but not CMBs, suggesting that advanced atherosclerosis contributes predominantly to ischemic markers of subclinical vascular injury.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Manabu Shirakawa, Kiyofumi Yamada, Hiroko Watase, Baocheng Chu, Yukiko Enomoto, Takao Kojima, Kazuki Wakabayashi, Jie Sun, Daniel S. Hippe, Marina S. Ferguson, Niranjan Balu, Shinichi Yoshimura, Thomas S. Hatsukami, Chun Yuan
Summary: Recent studies found that the rate of recurrent stroke decreases over time after cerebral infarction in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. This study used carotid MRI to examine temporal differences in early stage carotid plaque components after acute cerebrovascular ischemic events. The results showed that the volume of juxtaluminal loose matrix/inflammation (LM/I) decreased over time and was significantly smaller in patients with >30 days interval from symptom onset to carotid MRI. This indicates that carotid plaques undergo rapid evolution after acute cerebrovascular ischemic events.
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Dongye Li, Huiyu Qiao, Xieqing Yang, Jin Li, Wei Dai, Xiaoyi Chen, Jun Shen, Xihai Zhao
Summary: Co-existing hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia (H-Hcy) are associated with carotid vulnerable plaque features, and the combination of the two has a stronger predictive value for subsequent vascular events than each measurement alone.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sung-Jin Park, Wan Ying Chan, Michael Ng, Yiu Cho Chung, Tze Tec Chong, Kishore Bhakoo, Joyce M. S. Chan
Summary: This study describes a novel molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strategy for evaluating plaque inflammation and vulnerability, adding further prognostic information to luminal stenosis. By generating high-risk plaques in a mouse model, the researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. This molecular imaging tool can accurately monitor plaque risk and timely identify high-risk asymptomatic patients for intervention, achieving early stroke prevention.
TRANSLATIONAL STROKE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Daniel Bos, Dianne H. K. van Dam-Nolen, Ajay Gupta, Luca Saba, David Saloner, Bruce A. Wasserman, Aad van der Lugt
Summary: Contemporary imaging methods have allowed for detailed visualization of carotid atherosclerotic plaque, which has led to significant advancements in in vivo evaluation of carotid plaque imaging. While traditional ultrasound-based assessment of luminal stenosis has historically been used to determine ischemic stroke risk, newer imaging techniques such as CT and MRI have shown that specific characteristics of vulnerable plaque may be more indicative of stroke risk. This review highlights six promising imaging-based plaque characteristics that provide unique information on plaque vulnerability and their potential impact on risk of ischemic stroke.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Martin Andreas Geiger, Ronald Luiz Gomes Flumignan, Marcone Lima Sobreira, Wagner Mauad Avelar, Carla Fingerhut, Sokrates Stein, Ana Terezinha Guillaumon
Summary: Advances in imaging methods have allowed for better evaluation and management of patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. Specific plaque characteristics such as intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid rich necrotic core, plaque inflammation, thickness, and ulceration significantly increase the risk of ischemic events.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xun Zhang, Zhaohui Hua, Rui Chen, Zhouyang Jiao, Jintao Shan, Chong Li, Zhen Li
Summary: This study developed a 3D carotid plaque radiomics model based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) to quantitatively identify vulnerable plaques. The results showed that the traditional model, the 3D carotid plaque radiomics model, and the combined model had high accuracy in identifying vulnerable plaques.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Samuel Heuts, Simon Schalla, Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers, Elham Bidar, Casper Mihl, Joachim E. Wildberger, Bouke P. Adriaans
Summary: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery. Patients should undergo regular imaging examinations to evaluate the occurrence of complications.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hedwig M. J. M. Nies, Suzanne Gommers, Geertruida P. Bijvoet, Luuk I. B. Heckman, Frits W. Prinzen, Gaston Vogel, Caroline M. Van de Heyning, Amedeo Chiribiri, Joachim E. Wildberger, Casper Mihl, Robert J. Holtackers
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of various semi-automated techniques for quantifying myocardial infarct size using histopathology as the reference standard. The results showed that the signal threshold vs. reference mean method with a threshold of 5 standard deviations demonstrated the most accurate quantification in both conventional bright-blood and novel dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jeroen Venlet, Sebastiaan R. Piers, Jarieke Hoogendoorn, Alexander F. A. Androulakis, Marta de Riva, Rob J. van der Geest, Katja Zeppenfeld
Summary: Transmural activation delay in right ventricular cardiomyopathy can be used to identify ventricular tachycardia substrates, which is important for treatment.
Review
Oncology
Lidewij M. F. H. Neeter, M. M. Quirien. Robbe, Thiemo J. A. van Nijnatten, Maxine S. Jochelson, H. P. J. Raat, Joachim E. Wildberger, Marjolein L. Smidt, Patty J. Nelemans, Marc B. I. Lobbes
Summary: This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and standard contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (breast MRI). The results showed that both CEM and breast MRI had high sensitivity and moderate specificity in detecting breast tumors, and the overall diagnostic performance of breast MRI was better than CEM. However, current scientific evidence is insufficient to prematurely consider CEM as an alternative to breast MRI.
Article
Oncology
Cornelis M. de Mooij, Thiemo J. A. van Nijnatten, Briete Goorts, Loes F. S. Kooreman, Isabel W. M. Raymakers, Silke P. L. van Meijl, Maaike de Boer, Kristien B. M. I. Keymeulen, Joachim E. Wildberger, Felix M. Mottaghy, Marc B. I. Lobbes, Marjolein L. Smidt
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of sequential hybrid [18F]FDG PET/MRI in predicting the treatment response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo(targeted) therapy. The qualitative or quantitative evaluation of PET/MRI after therapy was found to be unreliable in predicting the response of the primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes. However, combining the relative decrease in PET and MR imaging variables halfway through therapy improved the diagnostic accuracy, especially for predicting the response of axillary lymph nodes. These findings suggest that sequential hybrid [18F]FDG PET/MRI may have complementary value in the early prediction of treatment response in breast cancer.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert-Jan Alers, Chahinda Ghossein-Doha, Lisanne P. W. Canjels, Eva S. H. Muijtjens, Yentl Brandt, M. Eline Kooi, Suzanne C. Gerretsen, Jacobus F. A. Jansen, Walter H. Backes, Petra P. M. Hurks, Vincent van de Ven, Marc E. A. Spaanderman
Summary: This study investigates the impact of preeclampsia on maternal cognitive functioning decades after pregnancy. The results show that women who had preeclampsia are 9 times more likely to experience clinical attenuation of higher-order cognitive functions compared to women who had a normotensive pregnancy. These differences persist for at least 19 years postpartum. Women with lower educational attainment, mood or anxiety disorders, or obesity are particularly at risk.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rianneke de Ritter, Simone J. S. Sep, Marleen M. J. van Greevenbroek, Yvo H. A. M. Kusters, Rimke C. Vos, Michiel L. Bots, M. Eline Kooi, Pieter C. Dagnelie, Simone J. P. M. Eussen, Miranda T. Schram, Annemarie Koster, Martijn C. G. Brouwers, Niels M. R. van der Sangen, Sanne A. E. Peters, Carla J. H. van der Kallen, Coen D. A. Stehouwer
Summary: This study investigates the association between body composition and type 2 diabetes, and examines whether this association is influenced by sex. The results show that women and men with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes have higher levels of body fat and lean mass compared to those with normal glucose metabolism. Sex differences exist in body composition, and further research is needed to understand the significance of these differences.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. Zadi, D. H. K. van Dam-Nolen, M. Aizaz, A. G. van der Kolk, P. J. Nederkoorn, J. Hendrikse, M. E. Kooi, A. van der Lugt, D. Bos
Summary: This study evaluated changes in carotid plaque calcification over a 2-year follow-up in patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease. The results showed both increases and decreases in the volume of extra- and intracranial carotid artery calcification, which were significantly correlated with baseline calcification volume. Factors such as diabetes and use of antihypertensive drugs were also associated with changes in calcification.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ladina Geering, Thomas Sartoretti, Victor Mergen, Giulia Cundari, Stephane Rusek, Filippo Civaia, Philippe Rossi, Joachim E. Wildberger, Christian Templin, Robert Manka, Matthias Eberhard, Hatem Alkadhi
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Twan Jowan van Velzen, Jeffrey Stolp, Dianne van Dam-Nolen, Mohamed Kassem, Jeroen Hendrikse, Marianne Eline Kooi, Daniel Bos, Paul J. Nederkoorn
Summary: Inflammation inside the vessel wall plays a significant role in atherosclerosis, and an association between leukocyte count and carotid vulnerable plaque characteristics has been found in this study. This finding can contribute to a better understanding of the role of inflammation in plaque vulnerability and provide new targets for intervention.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Mohamed Kassem, Soraya S. de Kam, Twan J. van Velzen, Rob van der Geest, Benjamin Wagner, Magdalena Sokolska, Francesca B. Pizzini, Paul J. Nederkoorn, H. Rolf Jager, Martin M. Brown, Robert J. van Oostenbrugge, Leo H. Bonati, M. Eline Kooi
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of detecting intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) by using mask images from CE-MRA and TOF. The mask images from CE-MRA showed high specificity, while the TOF images had lower sensitivity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mohamed Kassem, Kelly P. H. Nies, Ellen Boswijk, Jochem van der Pol, Mueez Aizaz, Marion J. J. Gijbels, Debiao Li, Jan Bucerius, Werner H. Mess, Joachim E. Wildberger, Robert J. van Oostenbrugge, Rik P. M. Moonen, Zhaoyang Fan, M. Eline Kooi
Summary: This study compares the quantification of plaque composition with MATCH and multi-sequence MRI. The results show that MATCH can effectively quantify LRNC and IPH, but is not effective for calcifications. MATCH has the advantage of shorter scan time and inherent co-registration, despite lower image quality.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers, Jos J. M. Westenberg, Bouke P. Adriaans, Estelle C. Nijssen, Joachim E. Wildberger, Hildo J. Lamb, Simon Schalla
Summary: Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging is a promising technique for diagnosing and stratifying the risk of aortic disease. This review aims to provide clinicians with a guide to the basics of flow imaging, commonly used flow-related parameters, and their relevance in the context of aortic disease.
INSIGHTS INTO IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Berta H. Ganizada, Koen D. Reesink, Shaiv Parikh, Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers, Asim C. Akbulut, Pepijn J. M. H. Saraber, Gijs P. Debeij, Ehsan MUMC TAA Student Team, Armand M. Jaminon, Ehsan Natour, Roberto Lorusso, Joachim E. Wildberger, Barend Mees, Geert Willem Schurink, Michael J. Jacobs, Jack Cleutjens, Ingrid Krapels, Alexander Gombert, Jos G. Maessen, Ryan Accord, Tammo Delhaas, Simon Schalla, Leon J. Schurgers, Elham Bidar
Summary: Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) suggest intervention once the diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year. However, aTAA dissections (aTAAD) often occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold. To improve understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, the MAPEX platform focuses on the interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix, aiming to narrow knowledge gaps and improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
E. C. Nijssen, P. J. Nelemans, R. J. Rennenberg, G. van Ommen, J. E. Wildberger
Summary: According to the latest ESUR contrast media guidelines, standard prophylaxis is no longer recommended for patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). The guideline updates are based on indirect evidence and expert opinion, as there is limited direct evidence supporting the withdrawal of standard prophylaxis in moderate CKD patients. The updated guideline recommendation has shown substantial benefits for patients and hospitals in terms of burden reduction.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)